Brinker International (EAT) appears an attractive pick given a noticeable improvement in the company’s earnings outlook. The stock has been a strong performer lately, and the momentum might continue with analysts still raising their earnings estimates for the company.
Analysts’ growing optimism on the earnings prospects of this operator of restaurant chains Chili’s Grill & Bar and Maggiano’s Little Italy is driving estimates higher, which should get reflected in its stock price. After all, empirical research shows a strong correlation between trends in earnings estimate revisions and near-term stock price movements. Our stock rating tool — the Zacks Rank — is principally built on this insight.
The five-grade Zacks Rank system, which ranges from a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) to a Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell), has an impressive externally-audited track record of outperformance, with Zacks #1 Ranked stocks generating an average annual return of +25% since 2008.
Consensus earnings estimates for the next quarter and full year have moved considerably higher for Brinker International, as there has been strong agreement among the covering analysts in raising estimates.
The chart below shows the evolution of forward 12-month Zacks Consensus EPS estimate:
12 Month EPS
Current-Quarter Estimate Revisions
The earnings estimate of $1.37 per share for the current quarter represents a change of -1.44% from the number reported a year ago.
Over the last 30 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for Brinker International has increased 5.45% because three estimates have moved higher while one has gone lower.
Current-Year Estimate Revisions
The company is expected to earn $3.79 per share for the full year, which represents a change of +33.92% from the prior-year number.
There has been an encouraging trend in estimate revisions for the current year as well. Over the past month, four estimates have moved up for Brinker International versus one negative revision. This has pushed the consensus estimate 6.42% higher.
Favorable Zacks Rank
Thanks to promising estimate revisions, Brinker International currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). The Zacks Rank is a tried-and-tested rating tool that helps investors effectively harness the power of earnings estimate revisions and make the right investment decision. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
Our research shows that stocks with Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) and 2 (Buy) significantly outperform the S&P 500.
Bottom Line
Investors have been betting on Brinker International because of its solid estimate revisions, as evident from the stock’s 9.6% gain over the past four weeks. As its earnings growth prospects might push the stock higher, you may consider adding it to your portfolio right away.
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Brinker International, Inc. (EAT) : Free Stock Analysis Report
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